Close Banner

Disneyland® Resort Gate Prices Have Officially Increased!

SAVE UP TO $121

LOCK IN MAX SAVINGS
Home / Blog / Theme Park Tips & Planning / A ~Froggy~ Festive Guide to Christmas at Universal Orlando Resort — 2024 Dates Announced!

A ~Froggy~ Festive Guide to Christmas at Universal Orlando Resort — 2024 Dates Announced!

by Mommy Frog on July 9, 2024
6431 Orlando

Inside This Post Inside This Post

What better way to bring together minions, wizards, toys and more than during Christmas at Universal Orlando Resort? Even the Grinch can't resist the cheer. After all, the holidays are the most wonderful time of the year (right?!)! During the holiday season, from Nov. 22 to Dec. 31, Grinchmas and Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter spread holiday cheer throughout Seuss Landing, Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley. Much of the main entertainment returns year after year, but we always notice new details in the decor to keep things fresh. The Universal Orlando Christmas events are included with regular Universal Orlando admission.

Universal Orlando Christmas - Whoville Citizens

Overview of the Holidays at Universal Orlando Resort

With terrific temperatures, decadent decor, scrumptious snacks and endless entertainment, the holiday season is truly the most wonderful time of the year at Universal Orlando Resort. From the theme parks to the hotels, you'll find jolly festivities everywhere you go. That means you don't even need a park ticket to partake in the resort-wide celebrations!

Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter

Universal Orlando Christmas - Hogwarts Express

You know that feeling you get when you watch a "Harry Potter" movie with your family while drinking hot cocoa on a snowy winter night? That's the feeling you'll get when you see Christmas in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Universal Orlando goes all out with the level of detail. Hogsmeade in Universal Islands of Adventure and Diagon Alley in Universal Studios Florida both feature festive Christmas decorations — including garland and lights — along the buildings and streets of the Wizarding World.

Be sure to take a closer look at the decorations outside of each storefront! For instance, Madam Malkin's in Diagon Alley sports pink ribbon bows that match the color of Hermione's Yule Ball dress in the display window. The London waterfront is also decked out in traditional Christmas lights and garland as if you've magically been transported to the city itself. We highly recommend visiting during the day so you can notice all of the small details and returning at night to see everything lit up!

Universal Orlando Christmas - Frog Choir

Our fellow froggies, the Frog Choir, perform special concerts in Hogsmeade with Christmas songs straight from the spell books, as well as muggle holiday tunes such as "We Wish You a Merry Christmas." Inside Diagon Alley, Celestina Warbeck and the Banshees get in the holiday spirit with a special show. Listen for four original songs, including the super-catchy "My Baby Gave Me a Hippogriff for Christmas." These shows tend to not draw crowds until they've already started. Every view is good, but even if you only arrive five minutes early, you can still sit down on the ground right next to the stage.

Universal Orlando Holidays - The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle

The true showstopper of Christmas in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter is the projection-mapping show on Hogwarts Castle. "The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle" is eight minutes long and plays intermittently from dusk until park close each night. Muggles and wizards alike will be absolutely dazzled to see the castle come alive! There are breathtaking scenes with Hogwarts students dancing at the Yule Ball, Arthur Weasley's flying Ford Anglia plowing into snowmen and more! Even if you aren't a fan of the usual Nighttime Lights at Hogwarts Castle show, we recommend catching the Christmas show. It's gorgeous and captures the unique holiday fun you see in the "Harry Potter" films. We're so hoppy it's returning once again this year!

Grinchmas at Universal Islands of Adventure

Universal Orlando Christmas - Grinch

It wouldn't be Christmas at Universal Orlando Resort without Grinchmas! Seuss Landing is the most spectacularly decorated of them all, with so many baubles and tinsel wrapped around just about everything.

The viral verdant sourpuss himself will arrive at Universal Islands of Adventure for some holiday fun, as well! The green guy brings his signature snark during a special meet and greet in his lair at Honk Honkers. Last year, the meet and greet used a standby queue. Because of The Grinch's superstardom, we saw wait times go up to 180 minutes. However, on opening day, we got in line at 3:45 p.m. when the wait time was reading 100 minutes. Luckily, we only ended up waiting an hour!

Meanwhile, Who-ville citizens are usually out and about, walking through the land or strolling through The Street of the Lifted Lorax. On opening day, we saw the majority of them gathered by the entrance of Seuss Landing near Port of Entry. All of them will hoppily pose for photos with you!

Universal Orlando Christmas - Who-liday Spectacular

One of our favorite holiday offerings, though, is the Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular! In this whoot of a show, talented performers bring the Seuss favorite to life through song and dance. If you'd like to attend, plan to be in line at least 30 minutes ahead of showtime, even if there aren't huge crowds. You do need to walk a fair distance to the theater where it takes place (a space that was previously occupied by Blue Man Group). While definitely a tadpole-centric show, it's still a blast for any fans of the Grinch, who spits out hilarious one-liners. (And OMG ... Max is played by an adorable, live dog. What a good boy!)

Epic Holiday Offerings & Entertainment at Universal Orlando Resort

Universal's Holiday Parade featuring Macy's

Universal Orlando Holidays - Santa in the Holiday Parade

The highlight of Christmas at Universal Orlando (for us, at least!) is Universal's Holiday Parade featuring Macy's. You can catch some of your favorite Universal characters making holiday mischief, including the minions, Shrek and more. And of course, jolly ol' Santa typically makes an appearance at the parade's finale to light up the Christmas tree.

Universal Orlando Christmas - Shrek and Fiona in Universal's Holiday Parade

If you want a prime spot for Universal's Holiday Parade featuring Macy's in front of the tree, get in place at least an hour early on busy nights. This is especially true on weekends. Our favorite spot is usually across the street from the tree next to Revenge of the Mummy. From this spot, you can watch as Santa lights the tree. Since the parade begins near Universal Orlando's Horror Make-Up Show and starts its journey down the streets of Hollywood, you'll first see the parade about 15 minutes after the official start time. The parade kicks off daily at 5:30 p.m., weather permitting.

Annual passholders can enjoy a reserved viewing area in front of Mel's Drive-In Restaurant, which opens up about an hour before the parade, and space is available on a first-come, first-served basis. If you have little ones under 10, there's a Lil Stars viewing area in front of the Brown Derby Hat Shop in Hollywood.

Earl the Squirrel Meet and Greet

Universal Orlando Holidays - Earl the Squirrel

Earl the Squirrel comes out of his hiding spot in the big Christmas tree to meet guests near the directly across from Cafe La Bamba! You can confirm his meeting times in the Universal app, though typically he'll be out about once an hour from 9:15 a.m. to 3:25 p.m. 

Festive Food and Drinks During the Holidays at Universal Orlando Resort

Universal Orlando Christmas - Hot Butterbeer

Drinking Butterbeer is a must-do whenever you visit the Universal parks (did you know there are six different versions?). While you can now get hot Butterbeer year-round, there's no better time to enjoy a delicious cup than when the temperature starts dropping. Think more along the lines of hot chocolate (but butterscotch) rather than a carbonated cream soda, which is what the classic, cold Butterbeer tastes like. You can find it inside The Leaky Cauldron, Three Broomsticks, Hog's Head Pub and The Hopping Pot.

Universal Orlando Christmas - Grinch Cookie

All around Universal Orlando Resort, there are specially-themed holiday food and beverages! We loved getting our hands on yummy offerings such as Earl's Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate Acorn Bomb (at Hot Treats in Battery Park), the Turkey Dinner Sandwich (at Yule Enjoy in Battery Park) and the Letters to Santa Holiday Shake (at The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium & Savory Feast Kitchen). We were also so frogcited to dig into some verdant Grinch-themed treats in Seuss Landing — such as the frog-favorite Grinch cookies — and sip some specialty nog cocktails!

Holidays at Universal Orlando Resort Hotels

Any time of year, we absolutely love staying on-site at Universal's fabulous resort hotels, but especially during the holidays. Expect all of the Universal Orlando hotels to be decked out for the holidays, and look out for tree and menorah lightings. Plus enjoy all the trimmings at Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Eve. The hotels even offer specially ticketed buffets. Some of the hotel holiday celebrations include live music, hula dancers, balloon artists and even bowling.

Universal Orlando Christmas - Cabana Bay Beach Resort Christmas Tree

If you want to experience the Universal Christmas events during the busiest times, we highly recommend purchasing Universal Express Passes no matter where you stay. You can save money when you purchase this add-on to theme park admission for regular Universal Express (which gives you access one time per participating ride) or Universal Express Unlimited. If you stay on-site at Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, Universal's Hard Rock Hotel or Loews Royal Pacific Resort, you'll receive the Unlimited Express benefit for all of your party for your entire length of stay. Watch out for the expected busiest days using our Universal Orlando Crowd Calendar. We recommend purchasing Universal Express the week of Christmas, New Year's Eve and New Year's Day and on weekends. We cannot underestimate this benefit!

Universal Orlando Christmas - Loews Royal Pacific Resort

If you can't shell out for the Universal Express hotels, jump over to Universal's Cabana Bay Beach ResortUniversal's Endless Summer - Surfside Inn and Suites or Universal's Endless Summer - Dockside Inn and Suites. While they don't offer Unlimited Express, these hotels (and all of Universal's hotels) offer one-hour early admission to a select park. If you stay on-site, you can get a hop on experiencing Christmas in the Wizarding World's holiday magic with Early Park Admission! What's even more magical is to book your Universal Orlando hotel room at a discount, so hop to it!

New Year's Eve at Universal Orlando Resort

If you're looking for something to do when the clock strikes midnight, Universal Orlando offers several different ways to ring in the new year. Ring in the New Year with festivities at CityWalk and throughout the theme parks — which will both be open through midnight on Dec. 31.

Additionally, all of the hotels will host a special New Year's Eve or New Year's Day meal. Universal's Cabana Bay Beach Resort even hosts a New Year's Eve Spectacular that includes face painting, a balloon artist and a live DJ. This event is complimentary for Cabana Bay Beach guests only. Portofino Bay and the Hard Rock Hotel will also host their own parties.

Our Top Tips for the Holidays at Universal Orlando Resort

Universal Orlando Christmas - Dapper Winter CityWalk

With so much hoppening at Universal Studios Florida and Universal Islands of Adventure during the holidays, you may be wondering, "Which ticket should I get?" We're very big fans of the Park-to-Park option. With the two parks so close together, it's easy to hop back and forth. The Park-to-Park option offers maximum flexibility to enjoy it all. And it's the only way to experience the Hogwarts Express. So if you want to experience Christmas in the Wizarding World at Hogsmeade and then hop right over to extend the merry in Diagon Alley, you'll need the Park-to-Park ticket.

If you're planning to see all of the holiday festivities in both parks on one day, get a viewing spot for the Holiday Parade in Universal Studios right in front of Universal Orlando's Horror Make-Up Show. That's where the parade starts, so by the time the last float passes you, you'll have just enough time to speed-hop over and catch the castle show in Islands of Adventure before the park closes without being blocked off by the parade route! We recommend walking through CityWalk in front of Hard Rock Cafe Orlando and The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium and Savory Feast Kitchen instead of waiting for the Hogwarts Express.

If you need some palm trees and sun with your Christmas vacation, you'll need to find it poolside this season. Universal Volcano Bay water theme park is usually open in the winter. Don't let the time of year trick you. It's still plenty warm in sunny Florida (especially for you snowbirds) and the hotel pools are heated. (Check out all of our discount Universal Orlando ticket options, and don't froget, we offer discounts on the Universal Orlando hotels too!)

Ready for Christmas at Universal Orlando Resort this holiday season? Pick the best dates to visit using our Orlando Crowd Calendar. Check out our Orlando planning timeline for a stress-free family vacation during the holidays at Universal Orlando Resort and other destinations. And be sure to add Universal Express Passes to your tickets to skip the lines!

Related: Complete Guide to Universal Orlando Events

Hoppy planning!

Keep hopping, Mommy Frog!
View Comments

Comments

Nov 27, 2019 at 4:47 a.m.
Mary Taylor Says...

This is super helpful information! I've used Undercover Tourist so much for Disney planning. I can't wait to plan a trip to Universal and use you all again!

Reply
Nov 27, 2019 at 4:41 a.m.
Erin Bless Says...

I hope to be lucky enough (xmas wish) to take my boys, ages 9 and 4, to Disney world next year! I cant afford much but am saving to give them the most amazing experience like I was lucky enough to have as a kid. Good luck to everyone!

Reply
Nov 27, 2019 at 4:20 a.m.
Scot Says...

Love Universal Orlando!

Reply
Nov 27, 2019 at 4:19 a.m.
summer Says...

ahhh the decorations look so pretty! can't wait to visit!!

Reply
Nov 27, 2019 at 4:10 a.m.
Brent Says...

WE just got back from Universal and the holiday festivities were so much fun! We can't wait to go again!

Reply
Nov 27, 2019 at 3:55 a.m.
Anthony Miller Says...

Just simply Awesome...Loved it

Reply
Nov 27, 2019 at 3:20 a.m.
Cierra Major Says...

I never got to celebrate christmas as a child and always wanted to have a big beautiful christmas thanks to under cover tourist i will have the deals and the guide to have what i always wanted

Reply
Nov 27, 2019 at 3:18 a.m.
Martha Cusak Says...

This was one of the most amazing theme parks I've ever been to!

Reply
Nov 27, 2019 at 3:14 a.m.
Susie Says...

The BEST blog out there on what to do and see at Universal during any time of the year!

Reply
Nov 27, 2019 at 3:09 a.m.
Marilyn Sabia Says...

This looks like an awesome place to vacation with the family!

Reply
Nov 27, 2019 at 3:09 a.m.
Jeff C Says...

My daughters and wife would love the changes to Universal Studios, and especially the Harry Potter parts! :)

Reply
Nov 27, 2019 at 3:08 a.m.
Hmohler Says...

Love it! Great coverage of a wonderful time in the parks’

Reply
Nov 27, 2019 at 3:07 a.m.
barbara peralta Says...

Going to Orlando for Christmas is a bucket list that I always wanted to do since I was a kid !! One day .....

Reply
Nov 27, 2019 at 2:56 a.m.
Moose Says...

Universal Orlando looks wonderful!

Reply
Nov 27, 2019 at 2:55 a.m.
Corey B Says...

Hoping to win!!!

Reply
Nov 27, 2019 at 2:46 a.m.
tara523 Says...

2 months until our trip! Thanks for all the great tips and ticket prices!!!

Reply
Nov 27, 2019 at 2:37 a.m.
Mel Says...

Did Grinchmas breakfast several years ago when my boys were really small. They were scared to death! ???????? We're actually watching The Grinch now and they love it. Ready to go again!

Reply
Nov 27, 2019 at 2:28 a.m.
Gabryelle Fillingim Says...

So so so excited

Reply
Nov 27, 2019 at 2:10 a.m.
Samantha Says...

This would be an amazing trip!

Reply
Nov 27, 2019 at 2:08 a.m.
Lana Says...

Christmas is magical there.

Reply
Nov 27, 2019 at 2:05 a.m.
Melissa P Says...

I can never get enough of Universal Studios, Orlando!

Reply
Nov 27, 2019 at 2:03 a.m.
dawn1226 Says...

This looks like SO much fun!

Reply
Nov 27, 2019 at 2:02 a.m.
Al Says...

Went there last summer. Had a wonderful time. Universal's ride technology is head over heels better that the other guy down the road. looking forward to going back.

Reply
Nov 27, 2019 at 1:57 a.m.
beansy Says...

LOOKING FORWARD TO HAVING A GREAT TIME WITH GRANDKIDS

Reply
Nov 27, 2019 at 1:42 a.m.
just beachy Says...

I always use Undercover Tourist for my Universal tickets! Love them both!

Reply
Nov 27, 2019 at 1:41 a.m.
Andrew Says...

Great Blog!

Reply
Nov 27, 2019 at 1:28 a.m.
jmtnapier Says...

Oh, to be in Orlando during the Christmas season!

Reply
Nov 27, 2019 at 1:19 a.m.
christopher reum Says...

Would love to win. Used Undercover Tourist a few times and with a Disney Trip planned in September probably will again.

Reply
Nov 27, 2019 at 1:17 a.m.
Emmanuel Guadalupe Says...

Ready for the next adventure and spend time with my son again.

Reply
Nov 27, 2019 at 1:16 a.m.
Debbie Dietz Says...

I would love to see Universal for the holidays

Reply
Nov 27, 2019 at 1:15 a.m.
Kristi Scaglione Says...

I love UnderCover Tourist! You guys have always made my Disney trips a success becuase I have been able to plan better! I would love to visit WDW during the holidays!

Reply
Nov 27, 2019 at 12:47 a.m.
Melissa Says...

Looks like the castle projections for the holiday at hogwarts are really worth seeing :)

Reply
Nov 27, 2019 at 12:37 a.m.
Yezenia Henriquez Says...

My family and I first visit to Disney we used Undercover Tourist and it was a great price and experience. Can't wait to plan our next trip!

Reply
Nov 27, 2019 at 12:33 a.m.
Shirley Winand Says...

Would love to go with the grandkids. They never been there yet..

Reply
Nov 27, 2019 at 12:31 a.m.
Lauren Says...

Haven’t been to universal yet but it looks super exciting! I’ll definitely check it out next time I’m in Florida.

Reply
Nov 27, 2019 at 12:09 a.m.
Rigg Says...

UnderCover Tourist ROCKS MY FACE OFF!!!

Reply
Nov 27, 2019 at 12:06 a.m.
Susan Says...

Christmas is the best time to visit! We love all the decorations. Thanks for all the great tips!

Reply
Nov 27, 2019 at 12:05 a.m.
Matt Says...

Undercover tourist is awesome!

Reply
Nov 26, 2019 at 11:56 p.m.
Becky T Says...

My kids just love the Grinch!

Reply
Nov 26, 2019 at 11:38 p.m.
The Boricua Traveler Says...

Just a few weeks until our Xmas trip to Orlando. Thanks to Undercover Tourist my family and I have had the best adventures to all the Orlando Parks. This will be our 2nd trip this year and it is a surprise for my husband and kids.

Reply
Nov 26, 2019 at 11:37 p.m.
winner Says...

Ill take plenty of pictures

Reply
Nov 26, 2019 at 11:25 p.m.
Mike D Says...

Hope I win!

Reply
Nov 26, 2019 at 11:23 p.m.
Melanie Says...

Looks like so much fun!

Reply
Nov 26, 2019 at 11:17 p.m.
Brian Says...

Best prices on tickets I could find!!!

Reply
Nov 26, 2019 at 11:03 p.m.
Sharon Czarnecki Says...

Your site is excellent for someone who has never visited Universal at Christmas before. But for people like me who have visited before, I'd love to see more detailed info. For instance you could write an article that describes The THree Broomsticks in detail -- which food items to order and avoid (opinion here), decor, background, any surprises to watch for, how it differs from the Leaky Cauldron and if a person could only visit one, which you prefer, etc. I love Tom Bricker's writeups that he does for Disney parks and resorts. I've searched for something similar for Universal and have ot found it. Maybe that blogger could be you! :-)

Reply
Nov 26, 2019 at 10:59 p.m.
Pam S Says...

Have used and recommended Undercover Tourist for years - great deals on Theme Park tickets and excellent source of related news and trip planning information.

Reply
Nov 26, 2019 at 10:57 p.m.
Renee Smason Says...

I've always wanted to see the parks at christmastime

Reply
Nov 26, 2019 at 10:50 p.m.
Ed Magruder Says...

Love some undercover tourist. Best site for actual helpful information.

Reply
Nov 26, 2019 at 10:46 p.m.
Karen Says...

Undercover Tourist always has the best prices on tickets!

Reply
Nov 26, 2019 at 10:41 p.m.
Joyce M Harshman Says...

Would love to go to Universal

Reply

Leave a comment

Search blog articles

About Undercover Tourist

Undercover Tourist is the leading supplier of online discount tickets to Orlando, Florida-area attractions, including Walt Disney World® Resort, Universal Orlando Resort, SeaWorld® Orlando, LEGOLAND® Florida Resort and more.

Sign Up for Our Newsletter

Get the inside scoop on theme park news, planning tips, concert and sports announcements, special offers and much more!

Park Plans

Our step-by-step guides will save you up to 4 hours a day.